Rep. Juan Candelaria Installed as NHCSL President for 2025-2027 Term

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NHCSL is proud to announce the installation of Representative Juan Candelaria (CT) as its new President. After assuming duties during our 23rd Annual Summit in Oklahoma City, Rep. Candelaria will lead the Caucus through 2027, heading a newly elected leadership team dedicated to advancing the interests of the nation’s Hispanic communities. President-Elect Sen. Cristina Castro (IL), Vice President for Public Policy Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (MD), Vice President for Membership Rep. Ramón Romero (TX), Secretary Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Pérez (NJ), Treasurer Rep. José Pérez Cordero (PR), and East Region Chair Rep. Carlos González (MA), West Sen. Leo Jaramillo (NM), South Sen. Michael Brooks-Jiménez (OK), and Midwest Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado (IL), will serve alongside him and our Immediate Past President, Rep. Angela Romero (UT).

Rep. Candelaria brings over two decades of legislative experience to the presidency, having served Connecticut’s 95th District since 2002. In 2017, he made history as the first Latino to be named Deputy Speaker of the Connecticut General Assembly. His extensive legislative background includes serving on the Appropriations and Education committees, where he has been a tireless advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment. During his tenure, he has led pivotal efforts to increase Latino civic engagement through voter registration and education initiatives.

President Candelaria outlined a vision for the Caucus rooted in collaboration and mutual respect. He emphasized that he would prioritize an “unwavering focus on the realities and needs of Hispanic communities across the Nation.” Under President Candelaria’s leadership, the Caucus will continue its mission as a nonpartisan, strong voice for Latino communities in state legislatures nationwide.